Orkney

Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland, with Kirkwall serving as its capital. The island was originally inhabited by the Picts, but Norway invaded and forcibly annexed Orkney in 875 and sent Norse settlers to the islands. In 1472, the Kingdom of Scotland re-annexed Orkney following the failed payment of a dowry for King James III of Scotland's bride Margaret of Denmark. In the early 17th century, Orcadians formed the overwhelming majority of the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada, as the Orcadians dealt with harsh climates and were known for their sobriety and seafaring skills. In 1904, the Royal Navy established its northern base at Scapa Flow in Orkney, and the navy base was active during World War I and World War II. In 1957, the run-down naval base closed. By 2011, Orkney had a population of 21,349 people, and it was rated the best place to live in Scotland due to its classlessness.